Kuwait Facts.

Located in one of the most ancient yet most conflict-filled area in the world, Kuwait is very rich in culture and oil, just like its neighbors. While the country’s main priority really is in the oil industry rather than tourism, there are still many things that can be done in Kuwait. It is interesting to see the contrasting picture of the developed city of Kuwait City surrounded by desert plains. This oasis is a great place to explore the cuisine and culture of the country, because of the many museums and cultural sites. Unlike many other cities, Kuwait City also has beaches that may be visited to add to the unique experience.

KUWAIT – IMPORTANT AND INTERESTING FACTS

Kuwait comprises of nine islands which are mainly oil rich desserts. It is officially known as the “State of Kuwait.” Kuwait City is the capital of Kuwait that is situated on Kuwait Bay.

One of the hottest countries in the world especially between June to August. Rainfall averages 2 days in the year. Kuwait has several sandstorms every year.

Kuwait has the second-most free economy in the Middle East. It is the fourth-richest country in the world in terms of per capita income.

Kuwait has 3 towers. The smallest tower is used for projecting lights onto the other two towers. The second tower is used as a water reservoir. And lastly, the largest has a revolving restaurant and revolving view deck giving a scenic view of Kuwait City and bordering cities.

Petroleum and petroleum-products made up nearly 85% of export revenues and 80% of government income in Kuwait. Major industries include construction, shipping, cement, water desalination, construction materials and financial services.

The United Sates is their largest supplier of goods and services. U.S and Kuwait enjoy strong economic ties.

The first name is the personal name while the second name is the father’s personal name.

The temperature in Kuwait during summer time (June-September) can easily reach 50 degrees Celsius, making it almost impossible for human beings to survive in the outdoors for the most part of summer days and nights.

Kuwaiti dinar which is the official currency of Kuwait means Fortress built near water.

The national bird of Kuwait is the falcon. It is found everywhere and also seen on the currencies and stamps.

KUWAIT – COOL, FUNNY AND FUN FACTS

Kuwaitis spend much of their free time socializing with family members and friends.

If a man must give a gift to a woman, he should say that it is from his wife, mother, sister, or some other female relative.

Meals are generally served family-style. Guests are served first. Then the oldest, continuing in some rough approximation of age order until the youngest is served.

Business cards are given to everyone you meet.

Liberation Tower was built as the tallest structure in the world at 1220 feet.

Kuwaiti men wear Dishdasha which is usually white in hot summer months. While in winter Dashdashas are usually made from wool and are in dark colors.

In order to dress properly, all Kuwaiti men and women must shop. A world-renowned shopping mall was opened in 2007 which is called as The Avenues.

The only real surviving traditional Kuwaiti handicraft weaving is called Sadu, which is generally created in the colors of red and black.

The interesting thing about the word Hijab is that it does not mean scarf. In its simplest sense, hijab means to hide or cover; in Islam, women and men are both supposed to dress “hijab”, conveying the meaning that they should be modest in their dress

Oil was discovered in Kuwait in the 1930s, and proved to have 20% of the world’s known oil resources

KUWAIT – HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL FACTS

Kuwait gained independence from Great Britain on June 19, 1961.

August 2, 1990 – Iraq invades Kuwait. Reportedly, Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein decided to invade the small, oil-rich nation in order to pay off debts incurred during Iraq’s eight year war with Iran.

In February 2006, the annual camel races held using Remote-controlled robot jockeys which is designed to make the races more humane

In 2007, The Avenues was officially opened boasting the largest Ikea in the Middle East, as well as over 150 internationally known brand-name shops.

Planned and constructed in early 1990s, The Liberation Tower was built as the tallest structure in Kuwait which had a revolving restaurant and observation platform, the whole Tower has been closed to the public for quite some time. The Liberation Tower is the one of the tallest towers in the world, at 1220 feet (to the pinnacle).

In June 1961, Kuwait was under the protection of Great Britain, it was never a colony. When Kuwait joined the UN, they were the 111th country to join. It is a good thing they joined, since the UN aided Kuwait when they were invaded by Iraq in 1990.

Full political rights were granted to women in Kuwait, in 2005

In September 7, 1961, Kuwait adopted its flag.

In November 24, 1961 the flag was hoisted officially for the first time. There are three colors on the flag. The green stripe serves as the symbol of the fertility of Arab nations and the black symbolizes the defeat of enemies. The red symbolizes the blood of the defeated enemy whereas the white denotes honor and purity

In 1990, Kuwait was invaded and annexed by neighboring Iraq. The occupation lasted seven months and ended after direct military intervention by United States-led forces.